March 2014
Darb 1718, Cairo
In 2011, artist Ali Abdel Mohsen invited a selection of artists to reflect on Egyptian State Television in an exhibition titled ‘Maspero’. Egyptian State Television sent out its first broadcast on 21 July 1960. This was the first step in what would become "a long history of shockingly bad programming, hilariously outdated policies, and of course, relentless propaganda," wrote Abdel Mohsen at the time. During the 18 days of protests, the devastating effects of Maspero’s broadcasts reached their peak, further dividing the population in a time of great uncertainty and fear.
Earlier this year, Darb 1718 cultural center, which hosted the first exhibition, decided to repeat the experience, inviting Abdel Mohsen, along with artists: Ahmed ElShaer, Aisha Alshabrawy, Amr Elkafrawy, Azza Eissa, Moataz Nasr, Moawya Helal, May ElHossamy, Yassmin ElMeligy and Youssef Limoud to share their thoughts on state media three years down the line. As a cultural, technological, and even architectural icon, Maspero has, for generations, cast a long shadow over the Egyptian population. In this exhibition artists are invited to reflect on how their lives and national identity have been shaped by it.
[This video was produced by Medrar TV and is featured in partnership with Jadaliyya Culture]